Adventures at the Lake

Fifth, sixth, and seventh graders from surrounding schools attended Adventures at the Lake, an overnight outdoor camp, on July 26 and July 27 at Lake Belva Deer in Keokuk County.

There were a total of 12 youth in attendance: Jake Clarahan, Sam Loper, Amelia Phillips, Erica Clubb, Sam Hall, Neveah Beinhart, Izzy Heisdorffer, Lia Hastings, Melanie Woodsmall, Kayleana Woodsmall, Madison Clarahan, and Isaac Jones. Four counselors were in attendance: Makenzie Belvel, Nile Glandon, Kinnick Palmer, and Mariah Tinnes. One community volunteer was in attendance: Chad Belvel. Guest presenters included Keokuk County Ranger Naturalist Stratton Bond, Shooting Sports 4-H leader Doug deRegnier, and water safety with Courtney Hemsley. Facilitators included Keokuk County Extension and Outreach staff Emily Belvel and Alicia Schmitt.

The fun filled day and night featured a variety of activities, including archery, canoeing, ecosystem food chain, fishing, swimming in the lake, arts and crafts with items found outside, first aid kits, backpack survival guides, prairie walks, casting animal footprints, animal hide guessing game, glow in the dark dodge ball, cooking over a camp fire, the night sky, and so much more. After the fun filled day, everyone enjoyed tent camping, listening to the bullfrogs croak and raccoons play.

With this being our first overnight camp, the youth learned how to cook supper and breakfast over a fire. This year this was all made possible by our community partners. Pizza Ranch of Sigourney donated the food items needed to make pizza over a fire, and Brothers Market of Sigourney donated food items needed to make omelets for breakfast.

For more information about Keokuk County Extension and Outreach or summer camp opportunities, please contact Keokuk County Extension Office at 641-622-2680.